Intro.....at last!

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

I joined the group 3 weeks ago but haven't been well enough to get my

head around doing this until now.

I'm almost 57 and was diagnosed with FMS 6 years ago but began to

realise I had thyroid/adrenals problems 2/3 years after that, after

joining other . I now believe I was born with weak

adrenals and low thyroid as I've had problems from as far back as I

can remember aged 3-ish and which I can now see as signs of

adrenal/thyroid problems.

All my life has been plagued with weakness, fatigue,

sinus/throat/chest infections, cold intolerance, insomnia, stomach

problems, cognitive problems, terrible period pains/pms, urinary

tract infections, chemical sensitivities, depression, anxiety,

tinnitus and the list goes on…….

Please understand I'm only writing this next bit as it is fact and

relevant to the state of my health and may help someone else to

realise the impact stress, emotional, financial and physical, can

have on their adrenals especially with untreated thyroid problems. (

I don't want it to look like a sob story.) I've had a lot of stress

in my life, also from the age of 3, and still have ongoing family

stress to deal with at the moment. Mental/emotional abuse as a

child, 2 marriage breakdowns ( `there's always something wrong with

you' ) financial problems culminating from both of those and not

being able to work properly (much like the lady in the Daily mail

article) and physical abuse in my 30's. Three operations in my 30's

and anaesthetic not suiting me.

I had a hysterectomy at 38 and believe it was from this that my

already struggling thyroid was damaged even further because 2 years

later I was experiencing menopause symptoms. From 40-45 years old I

developed debilitating pains all over my body, it was a nightmare

mentally and new/different symptoms appeared like brain fog and

carpel tunnel. I did manage to work through this time by being self

employed as an Antique/Collectables dealer but was struggling more by

2000, worked from home selling on the internet for a couple of years

and then had to give up completely.

I've been virtually housebound since then, especially in winter and

when it's too hot, as I couldn't go out on my own and cognitive

problems stopped me driving (which I've always loved!!) I had to use

a wheelchair 4 years ago (after another stressful event and big

adrenal crash) and while I can walk better now, I can't walk far and

have a mobility scooter just to be able to get out occasionally with

my family (my grandchildren call me Mad Gran when I'm zooming about

on it!)

I've been tested over the years for thyroid and the tests came back

as in range. In my last one, which would be about 3 years ago, my

TSH was mid range, and I was told, like everyone else, that even if

the doctor requests Free T3 & Free T4 the lab will not do it if the

TSH is in range.

I had tests done by NPTech in September 06 which showed I had

Hashimotos and adrenal fatigue (stage 3) I saw Dr P in October 06

when I can only describe myself as desperate. From starting

treatment then, I was unable to tell what was going on and brain

function was very bad, and as time went on there was no improvement.

It's only been since last July/August onwards that I've been able to

piece things together.

I've recently done the Adrenal Stress test again which show that my

adrenals have in fact got worse and that I'm now Stage 4. I'm

waiting for my thyroid tests results at the moment from NPTech and

was planning to see Dr P in March but after having to visit the GP

this week (someone I've not seen before) with something different

happening to me (I'll post about this separately when I get my

results) am also having bloods done again including B12 and

ferritin. I am worried though that should my NHS tests show the

thyroid problem now, no-one will understand that because my adrenals

are so bad, that I can't treat my thyroid until my adrenals are

stronger.

I've developed more symptoms over the last 7/8 years which I can post

about separately and also any of my test results should anyone want

to see them. (as this is getting very long)

I'm very pleased to have joined the group and am trying to keep up

with the posts but I get overwhelmed. I'm sorry this is long…… I

hope not too many sentences. ( This is the shortened version, ha ha )

Gill (Slater)